ENGLISH
REFERENCE

recitation

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɹɛsəˈteɪʃən// UK //ɹɪsɪtˈeɪʃən// recita·tion Music
Definition

n. the act of reading or speaking a poem, story, or piece of music out loud. It is often used when you perform a piece of work in front of an audience.

n. the act of reading or speaking a text aloud, typically as a performance. Often used in the context of poetry, music, or religious scripture.


SIMPLE

The student gave a beautiful recitation of the poem.

CONTEXTUAL

The school organized a poetry night where students could share their favorite recitations with the community.

COMPLEX

The recitation of the national anthem before the match serves as a powerful reminder of the shared history and values that bind the nation together.

Origin

Borrowed from Middle French récitation, from Latin recitatio, equivalent to recite + -ation.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated May 19, 2026